The Reformed

By Christopher Hart

"I cannot die. But I cannot live. Let me go. Remove this curse of eternal life!" Handsome, wealthy, respected, Giancarlo has lived for hundreds of years, surrounded by splendor, shrouded in darkness, and enslaved by the insatiable hunger lurking inside him. In the glittering ballrooms where the privileged gather, he moves with cool elegance. But in the desolate alleys where the undead feed, he preys with murderous intent. Immortality is his, but love never will beonly an eternity of loneliness, filled with the blood of innocent victims. But Jenny won't be one of them. Something about this beautiful young woman stirs feelings in Giancarlo that he hasn't known for centuries. For her, he will defy his dark brethren and fight to be mortal again. But he is a marked man. Ghoulish murders plaguing the city have made him the target of a relentless homicide cop. And a far more dangerous enemyone of unspeakable brutality and bloodlusthovers even closer . . . determined to annihilate Giancarlo and his last chance for salvation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345496639
• ISBN13: 9780345496638
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Del Rey
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.5" x 0.6" x 5.0"
• Age Range: 16 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 11 and higher

Customer Reviews

An attractive manga for your vampire collection

If you're like me, you probably hesitate to buy manga online sight-unseen without knowing what the art looks like first. Artwork can make or break any manga or graphic novel, so I thought I'd let others know that in the case of The Reformed, the artwork totally makes it. If I had leafed through this manga in a bookstore, the refined interiors would have sold me immediately regardless of the story. The artwork follows the atmospheric style of more intricately rendered manga where the pages are meant to be savored rather than quickly breezed through. Every page is a feast fit for a vampire. You can tell by the publisher's description that the story doesn't stray much from the usual formula, but the dialog is good, Jenny the heroine is easy to like, and the author doesn't take the kind of silly liberties with the vampire genre that only an otaku could love. The Reformed is a serious, mainstream story for anyone who likes graphic novels -- manga fan or not. And even if you don't care for the story, it's still worth owning just for the art, so you really can't lose.

After Reading, I'm a New, Happier Man!

I am new to Graphic Novels but certainly not new to Vampire based themes, crime stories, and the work of Christopher Hart. I can't spout enough praise for this book. The story line was gripping and unique. It worked on so many different levels. Hard to believe when the pictures are the main focus but TRUE. Speaking of the picture - the artwork by Anzu was incredibly riveting. The idea was brilliant, dialogue crisp, exutition flawless - but most important it was a great read. I can't wait to start this book again!

The best I've read in a very long time

There are a few reasons you should read this book. First, it's a great story with a fascinating concept for a short story with an unusual twist. Second, the graphics that go along with it are amazing & powerful - the kind that put you right in the scene and captures the mood. I picked it up and could not put it down until I completely read it from start to finish which is unusual for me. Great read for both old-time comics thrill readers or anyone new to this genre. Great work. Thank you, Chris & Anzu

Why are the good-looking ones always psycho?

To go along with the previous reviewer, it was the art that originally drew me to the manga. I pulled the cover off the shelf and went "Ooooh! He looks bishi and evil!" I was hooked. "Reformed" plays out as both occult mystery and supernatural romance. You watch the developing relationship between tormented Giancarlo and innocent Jenny as the vampire struggles against the dark urges of his own nature. But is it a losing battle? Detective Frost, who has been investigating a series of "vampire murders," seems to think so and even as Giancarlo denies his involvement more and more evidence seems to appear to condemn him. Stunning art and well-crafted writing bring together characters that truly seem alive thanks to their hopes, fears, and personalities, not to mention an ending that has you wanting more.

The Reformed

To start, I'm not good on writing reviews. This is my first one. For an OEL, Original English Laugange Manga, I got to say it is one of the best I have bought. And I don't read/buy much of OEL Manga's. The reason way I picked it up was the drawing style,by Anzu. The art is beautiful. I guess the cover caught my eye, then I read the back and I thought it would be good. I was right. It was good. The story of Vampires always draws me in. This one about a Vampire, Giancarlo, who falls in love with the woman who he was going to kill and wanted to not be immortal anymore. (Sorry, I did say I'm not good on reviews.) AS he tried to reform, the dark side, will not let him. There are other Vampires causing trouble for him, killings rise, and so did suspicion on Giancarlo by Detective Frost. Without any spoilers, I will not give anymore details on it. Just try it. If you like Vampires, and crime, give 'The Reformed' a try. Did I mention Giancarlo and Frost are Bishies? XD